The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, has distanced himself from reports alleging his involvement in a plan to impeach Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, insisting he has no role in such moves.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch described the claims as “false and misleading”, rejecting the narrative outright.
“To say the least, this is a lie.” Ladoja said, stressing that a traditional ruler has no constitutional authority to remove an elected governor.
“You don’t have to be a former governor or a distinguished senator to know that a monarch has no power to impeach a local government chairman, let alone a state governor.”
He expressed concern over what he described as conflicting claims in the political space, noting that barely a day earlier, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, had alleged a plot by the Oyo State government to remove him as Olubadan.
“Now, it is the Olubadan who is allegedly planning to impeach the governor. So, who is fooling who?” the statement queried.
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The monarch cautioned against dragging the traditional institution into partisan politics and urged the public to disregard the reports to avoid creating tension in the state.
Earlier in the month, the palace had also dismissed rumours of any disagreement between the Olubadan and Governor Makinde.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that there is no rift between Kabiyesi and Olori omo oba of Ibadanland.
“In addition,the Olubadan, did not travel out of Ibadan to avoid the coronation ceremony slated for Friday 3rd of April,” the statement reads.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that Kabiyesi is hale and hearty in Ibadan,and performing the role expected of him as Olubadan.
”For the avoidance of doubt,the three concerned High Chiefs due to be coronated have formally informed the Olubadan that they would be unavailable, and have, therefore, asked for postponement.”